How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen<br /><br />Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.<br /><br />Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.<br /><br />Origins<br /><br />Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.<br /><br />The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.<br /><br />The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. <a href="https://www.ovensandhobs.uk/">ovens uk</a> were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.<br /><br />In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.<br /><br />It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.<br /><br />Functions<br /><br />Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.<br /><br />Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.<br /><br />A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.<br /><br />Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.<br /><br />There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.<br /><br />Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.<br /><br />Types<br /><br />There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.<br /><br />Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.<br /><br /><br /><br />Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.<br /><br />Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.<br /><br />The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.<br /><br />Installation<br /><br />If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.<br /><br />Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.<br /><br />To put in an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.<br /><br />After electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.<br /><br />If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.<br /><br />